Record ambulance budget - 250 extra ambulance officers, 145 new vehicles

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) will recruit an extra 250 ambulance officers and buy 145 new vehicles with the Department of Emergency Service’s near-billion dollar 2008-09 budget.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the Department of Emergency Services has been allocated a record $940.8 million, a $93.3 million – or 11% - increase on 2007-08. QAS’s operating budget will increase by $53.1 million to $455.7 million and funding for the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) will increase by $37.7 million to $397.9 million.

“Demand for ambulance services is increasing. The Bligh Government is planning for and managing this growth with record funding for more ambulance officers and a major upgrade to the fleet of ambulance vehicles across the State,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said the additional 250 ambulance officers in 2008-09 will cost $18.3 million.

“With these new recruits, the Ambulance Service will welcome the equivalent of five new ambulance officers every week,” Mr Roberts said.

“The 250 additional ambulance officers funded in 2008-09 will be in addition to the record 255 extra officers funded and recruited in 2007-08.”

Mr Roberts said 100 of the 250 additional ambulance officers will be recruited using savings from non-operational areas of the Department and QAS as recommended by the Ambulance Audit.

“The Government is planning for the future by committing record funding to the QAS, and deploying more ambulance staff and resources in more Queensland communities than ever before,” Mr Roberts said.

Key highlights of the Emergency Services budget include:

• $18.3 million to employ 250 additional ambulance officers;

• $16.9 million for 145 new ambulance vehicles to modernise the fleet and provide extra vehicles for new ambulance officers;

• $13.4 million for 30 new or replacement urban fire and rescue vehicles;

• $6.6 million for additional emergency helicopter services staff, essential helicopter equipment, maintenance and staff; and

• temporary flood barriers for deployment to affected communities will be located in north Queensland and south-east Queensland.

Mr Roberts said in addition, a capital budget of $160.6 million will allow the Department of Emergency Services to start or complete the Queensland Emergency Operations Centre, two new ambulance stations, 21 replacement, refurbished or redeveloped QAS facilities, three new fire stations and 11 replacement or redeveloped QFRS facilities, including improvements to the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy.

Mr Roberts said the QFRS budget is a record investment in Queensland’s capacity to respond to fire, road accident, swift-water rescue and other hazardous incidents.

“Significantly, the Budget allocates funding for 30 new and replacement urban fire and rescue vehicles expanding the fleet to 486 vehicles. It follows 31 new appliances funded last year.

“The Queensland Government is providing an unprecedented commitment to the frontline,” Mr Roberts said.

“Queensland’s emergency services have a proud record of achievement, but there are significant challenges ahead. The Bligh Government is planning for growth in demand for Emergency Services by providing record resources and frontline personnel.”

3 June 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350